Perak Exco Lodges Police Report, Denies Animal Cruelty Allegations

IPOH, March 7 (Bernama) -- Perak Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Sandrea Ng Shy Ching today lodged a police report over the spread of baseless allegations on social media regarding the authorities’ actions against stray dogs.

The Teja state assemblyman also filed a report with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

Ng said the reports were lodged following a statement by a Facebook user accusing the state government and the Ipoh City Council (MBI) of carrying out cruel actions against stray dogs.

“The accusations used extreme expressions such as ‘hands stained with blood’ and ‘buried alive’, which are unfounded and have the potential to mislead the public.

“The spread of false information, coupled with emotionally provocative language, can incite fear, anger and hatred, while also tarnishing the reputation of civil servants and the animal welfare organisations involved,” she said when met at the Ipoh District Police Headquarters here today.

She said the state government is always open to criticism of its policies, but it must be based on facts and accompanied by proposed solutions.

Ng said the issue of stray dogs is a complex challenge that requires a realistic approach and continuous cooperation between the government, local authorities, animal welfare organisations and the community.

“Over the past five months, the state government through MBI has worked with the Friends of Pawsitive organisation by allowing it to claim captured dogs at a discounted fee before placing them at shelters or for adoption.

“In fact, through the Perak Pawsitive Initiative programme, the state government has also implemented various efforts, including sterilisation subsidies involving 1,308 animals over three years, public awareness programmes and the development of a stray animal management system to ensure a more sustainable solution,” she said.

-- BERNAMA